Testicular Cancer Myths

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As a disease full of mystery, cancer is often associated with misinterpretations and myth. Though it’s common for any disease to be misinterpreted, diseases that target a sensitive area seem to be most affected by myth. Such is the case for testicular cancer, a rare but highly treatable cancer in men.

For decades, testicular cancer has been mired in myth. Take, for example, the silly notion that riding a bicycle can cause testicular cancer. With a little common sense, ridiculous myths like this are easily discounted. But sometimes, deciphering the truth is not so simple. Thankfully, AskMen is here to dispel five of the most common testicular cancer myths.

Surgery causes testicular cancer to spread

Origin: This myth likely originated many years ago when patients may have had very advanced stages of the disease before seeking medical care. Doctors then operated only to find that it had spread. Observers then mistakenly blamed the surgery for causing the disease to spread.Reality:Thetruth is that surgery is usually done to prevent cancer from spreading. Testicular cancer, however, presents somewhat of a challenge. For most cancers, a minor procedure known as a biopsy is performed to fully confirm whether someone has cancer or not. Biopsies involve taking small samples of tissue and viewing them under a microscope. In the case of testicular cancer, biopsies may indeed spread the cancer, so in practice they are rarely ever performed. Instead, if a man is suspected of having testicular cancer, the entire testicle is removed (in a procedure known as an orchiectomy) to eliminate any chance that the cancer will spread.

Testicular cancer will end your sex life

Origin: As mentioned above, surgery for testicular cancer usually involves the removal of one or both testicles. Considering that a man’s meat and potatoes are often viewed as the defining aspect of his manhood, it’s no wonder that men equate the removal of testicles with the end of all sex.

Reality: In the majority of testicular cancer cases, only one testicle is removed. For most of these cases, the man will not notice any changes to his sex drive or ability to have children (i.e. fertility). With the removal of both testicles, however, a man does become sterile and is much more likely to lose interest in sex. Although fertility cannot be recovered, hormonal injections may at least take care of issues with sex drive.

Testicular cancer is an old man’s disease

Origin: The occurrence of cancer generally increases with older age; thus, it’s not uncommon to lump all cancers in the old-age category.

Reality: Thereality is that testicular cancer is a young man’s disease, with most cases occurring in men aged 15 to 40. In fact, testicular cancer is most common in men in their mid-twenties, although it can occur at any age. Thankfully, testicular cancer is one of the most easily treatable and curable cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year relative survival rate for all men with this cancer is 95%, so be sure to perform regular self-examinations to catch the cancer as early as possible.